Molitika starts at blindside against Leinster

Cardiff Blues have named their side to take on table topping Leinster this Saturday.

Leinster are first place RaboDirect PRO12 table, having won their last nine games in the tournament, while the Blues will look to get back into the play off spot having narrowly lost to Ospreys last week.

The Blues make two changes in the backs with Tom James coming in for Alex Cuthbert, who is out with a minor groin injury. Dan Parks starts at outside half with Ceri Sweeney moving to the bench.

In the forwards Sam Warburton has recovered from knock on the ankle and captains the side at openisde, with Josh Navidi moving to the bench. Maama Molitika starts at blindside with Michael Paterson moving to the second row in place of the injured Paul Tito.

Gethin Jenkins starts for the Blues in the front row alongside hooker Marc Breeze and Scott Andrews who started against the Ospreys on New Year’s day.

Starting XV
15 Gavin Henson
14 Leigh Halfpenny
13 Casey Laulala
12 Gavin Evans
11 Tom James
10 Dan Parks
9 Lloyd Williams
8 Xavier Rush
7 Sam Warburton (c)
6 Maama Molitika
5 Michael Paterson
4 Bradley Davies
3 Scott Andrews
2 Marc Breeze
1 Gethin Jenkins

Replacements:
16 Rhys Williams
17 John Yapp
18 Sam Hobbs
19 Macauley Cook
20 Josh Navidi
21 Richie Rees
22 Ceri Sweeney
23 Richard Mustoe
Not available due to injury
Alex Cuthbert – groin
Ryan Tyrell – hamstring
Paul Tito – head
Chris Czekaj – hamstring
Jamie Roberts – knee
Dafydd Hewitt – hamstring
Thomas Rhys Thomas – neck/shoulder
Taufa’ao Filise – shoulder
James Down – ankle
Andries Pretorius – knee
Deiniol Jones – shoulder
Martyn Williams – arm
Kristian Dacey – shoulder